Viral Warts: Causes, Treatments, and Management Tips

Viral warts issue

Hello, doctor.
I have developed a viral wart on my left pinky finger and my right middle finger.
I consulted a dermatologist who confirmed that they are indeed viral warts.
They prescribed a topical wart treatment for me to apply daily.
However, I lack the discipline to stick with it; I apply it for a few days, and then when I get tired after work, I stop! I understand that online consultations cannot replace an in-person examination, and without seeing the lesions, it's difficult to make a definitive assessment.
Additionally, I have been treating a fungal toenail infection for almost two years now.

I would like to ask you, why do I keep getting viral warts? After applying the treatment for a few days, if I stop for a few days, they seem to grow back! Is cryotherapy the only solution? Is it a permanent fix? I am seeking advice because I want to avoid getting viral warts again; it's really frustrating!
Regarding my toenail fungus, I want to heal quickly and not waste healthcare resources! My dermatologist hasn’t advised me against wearing rain boots, but a well-known dermatologist told me that wearing rain boots while working and then applying antifungal cream at home makes it nearly impossible to get better! I work as a cleaner, and now I have settled for wearing chef shoes, but that hasn’t improved my condition much either! During my breaks at work, I am too busy to take off my shoes and socks to let my feet breathe! I can only do that when I get home, and then I apply antifungal medication.
I am really at my wit's end!
With such a long treatment period for my toenail fungus, I don’t want to waste time, appointment costs, and healthcare resources! If it really doesn’t get better, I might have to consider changing jobs or even stopping treatment altogether!

Hsieh Cheng-Chieh, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/19

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Viral warts are transmitted through contact.
Viral warts, athlete's foot, and nail fungus all require patient and prolonged treatment; they cannot be resolved in just one or two sessions.

Reply Date: 2024/07/19

More Info

Viral warts, also known as verrucae, are benign epithelial tumors caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands and feet, and are particularly common in children and young adults. Understanding the causes, treatments, and management strategies for viral warts can help alleviate concerns and improve outcomes.

Causes of Viral Warts
Viral warts are primarily caused by HPV, which is a group of more than 200 related viruses. The virus typically enters the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin. Once inside, it can stimulate the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of warts. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through contaminated surfaces, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or shared personal items.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing warts, including:
1. Weakened Immune System: Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those on immunosuppressive medications, are more susceptible to HPV infections.

2. Skin Trauma: Cuts, scrapes, or other injuries to the skin can provide an entry point for the virus.

3. Age: Children and teenagers are more likely to develop warts due to their more active lifestyles and less mature immune systems.

Treatment Options
The treatment of viral warts can vary depending on their size, location, and the patient's overall health. Common treatment options include:
1. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid or other keratolytic agents can help remove warts by softening and peeling away the affected skin. It is essential to apply these treatments consistently, as you mentioned, to achieve the best results.

2. Cryotherapy: This method involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after a few days. Cryotherapy is often performed in a healthcare setting and can be effective for stubborn warts.

3. Electrosurgery and Curettage: This involves using electrical currents to burn off the wart and may be combined with scraping the wart away.

4. Laser Treatment: In some cases, laser therapy may be used to destroy the wart tissue, especially for warts that are resistant to other treatments.

5. Immunotherapy: This approach aims to stimulate the immune system to fight off the virus. It may involve topical applications of immune response modifiers or injections.

Management Tips
Managing viral warts effectively requires a combination of treatment and preventive measures:
1. Consistency is Key: As you noted, applying topical treatments regularly is crucial. Setting a reminder or incorporating it into your daily routine may help you stay consistent.

2. Avoid Picking or Scratching: Picking at warts can lead to further irritation and spread the virus to other areas of your skin.

3. Keep Feet Dry: For your gray toenails, maintaining dry feet is essential. Consider moisture-wicking socks and breathable footwear to reduce fungal growth.

4. Foot Hygiene: Regularly wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. This can help prevent fungal infections and keep your feet healthy.

5. Consult Your Dermatologist: If your warts persist despite treatment, or if you experience discomfort, consult your dermatologist for alternative therapies or a more aggressive treatment plan.

6. Consider Lifestyle Changes: If your job requires prolonged exposure to moisture (like wearing rain boots), discuss with your employer about possible changes to your work environment or footwear that could help reduce your risk of infections.

Conclusion
Viral warts can be a nuisance, but with proper treatment and management strategies, they can be effectively controlled. It's essential to follow your dermatologist's advice and maintain a consistent treatment regimen. If you find that your current treatment is not effective, don't hesitate to seek further evaluation or alternative therapies. Remember, taking care of your skin and feet is vital for your overall health and well-being.

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